Discover Broxbourne: Nature Trails and Cultural Heritage

Broxbourne combines wetlands, historic waterways and impressive reminders of the past. Those wishing to combine nature experiences with culture will find a variety of opportunities here for shared discoveries. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, it is therefore worth considering in advance whether walks, wildlife observation, historic sites or excursions on the water should be the main focus of your stay.

Wetlands and trails around Silvermeade

Silvermeade is one of the region’s special landscapes: it is one of only four remaining relic water meadows in Lee Valley Regional Park and an important refuge for the highly endangered European water vole. The Water Vole Trail is a 1-mile circular route through the wetland around Silvermeade. Its starting point is at the car park of Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows in Broxbourne. Those arriving by train will find clear directions there: the trailhead is five minutes from Broxbourne railway station.

Further paths are available for different day plans. The Broxbourne section of the New River Shared Path connects Cozens Lane West with the Wormley playing fields; one section is open to cyclists and pedestrians. The New River Footpath is a public footpath from which historic buildings and attractive open spaces can be viewed. The River Lee Trail initially follows the New River and, on the return journey, runs along the towpath of the River Lee Navigation. This allows you to choose between a short circular walk, a longer route or a trail with a historic landscape focus, depending on your preferred pace.

Mills, church and medieval traces

Broxbourne’s history can also be discovered through specific architectural and landscape traces. The mill at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The surviving remains include a 16th-century brick floor and the window frames of a two-storey miller’s house from the 19th century. These traces from different periods make the site interesting for travellers who want to appreciate not only the landscape but also historical development during a walk.

St Augustine's Church in Broxbourne was completely rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th century, around 1460. Its fittings include a late-12th-century font. Perrior's Manor in Broxbourne is considered to be the site of a 13th-century aristocratic residence. In Hoddesdon, the Rye House Gatehouse adds to the historic focus. It is considered the only surviving relic of a 15th-century fortified manor house built of brick, is a Grade I listed building and is classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Woodland, water and active excursions

Broxbourne Woods is the only National Nature Reserve in Hertfordshire. Broad Riding Wood is an attractive mixed woodland of deciduous and coniferous trees and part of this National Nature Reserve in southern Hertfordshire. Those looking for woodland landscapes as well as wetlands and riverside paths can include these different natural settings in their travel plans.

For active days, LVCC by Lee Valley Boats in Broxbourne offers bicycle hire. The Lee Valley Boat Centre in Broxbourne also offers day-boat hire. This allows walks and trails to be combined with travel on the water or a cycling tour, without limiting the stay exclusively to a single experience.

Which accommodation suits your trip

A holiday apartment in Broxbourne can be a sensible choice if you would like to include nature trails, the New River and local cultural landmarks in your days. Families with different interests can weigh up peaceful landscapes, short outings and longer stretches of trail. If historic sites are the main focus, the mill remains, St Augustine's Church and the Rye House Gatehouse are among the key highlights. For nature-focused days, Silvermeade, the Water Vole Trail, Broxbourne Woods and the waterside paths take centre stage. When searching, therefore, compare above all which part of town and which daily rhythm suit your planned activities.

More places to compare

If you would like to consider other places alongside Broxbourne when planning your trip, you can find Datchworth, Radlett, Elstree, Baldock, Hitchin, London Colney, Waltham Cross and Borehamwood here.

For the overarching travel overview: Hertfordshire.